Pros: Some great tracks, Thunderstruck, continued use of successful AC/DC formula
Cons: Some forgettable material
The Bottom Line: If only for the tracks played even today on radio, The Razor's Edge is a good purchase. Not great--there are better AC/DC albums--but good enough to spend $10 on.
lambchops's Full Review: The Razor's Edge [Hyper CD] [Remaster] - AC/DC
One of the first memories I have of my husband revolves around him listening to the live version of Thunderstruck. The entire first minute of the track consists of a cheering crowd…a sound when put to tape is one of the most annoying known to man. My solution to this continuing dilemma was to purchase him The Razor’s Edge and cross my fingers that he would trade in AC/DC Live for the new disc. Well, it didn’t work.
Fortunately, AC/DC’s 1990 release proved to be more than just a one trick pony. After nearly two decades in the business, the Aussie rockers could have become jokes or even seen as old geezers. Instead, they proved once again that their energetic rock style works well regardless of year and regardless of climate. While not perfect, The Razor’s Edge ranks among the top half of AC/DC albums in quality. And consisting of classic rockers like the aforementioned Thunderstruck along with others like Moneytalks, and Got You By Your Balls. Other lesser-known gems like Mistress for Christmas, Shot of Love and Fire Your Guns round the album out.
Since the untimely death of wild lead vocalist Bon Scott, AC/DC has relied on the vocals of equally worthwhile front man Brian Johnson. The rest of the band has remained intact with Angus Young and brother Malcolm Young on very complimentary guitars and Cliff Williams on bass. Chris Slade offers his talent on percussion. As I’ve already mentioned The Razor’s Edge isn’t the best AC/DC album. That honor belongs to Back in Black followed closely by Highway to Hell, Let There Be Rock, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, and High Voltage. All of these amazingly hard-hitting albums have helped to make AC/DC one of the most ridiculously popular bands in the history of heavy metal and rock and roll.
The Razor’s Edge consists of twelve tracks beginning with a bang on Thunderstruck and wrapping up over forty minutes later with If You Dare. Recently deceased rock producer Bruce Fairburn (who has also worked closely with Aerosmith, Yes, Kiss and Scorpions among many others) acted as producer on this decent Atco release.
Maybe it’s my memory of my husband that provides me with my warm feelings for Thunderstruck. Or maybe, just maybe, it’s the fact that the song rocks that makes this my favorite track on the album. I do in fact love Thunderstruck. Johnson sounds inspired, energetic, and relentless while the Young brothers are perfectly flattering. The intro to this track is by far one of the most memorable of AC/DC’s extensive back catalog. Seriously…you can’t go wrong with this song. Pick up this album if only for this track and one or two others. I get chills every time I hear it.
Another memorable song is Moneytalks. If memory serves me, this song got more airplay a decade or so ago than any other from this album. That’s not to say it’s the best…that honor in fact does go to Thunderstruck. It’s not quite as hard or heavy as some of the other offerings, but Johnson has never sounded better and the Youngs have their guitars tightly reigned. Songs like this are what appeal to new generations of AC/DC listeners.
Got You by the Balls is tight, heavy, driving, and intimidating. Particularly notable is Angus’ potent guitar and Slade’s powerful drumming. Despite getting little airplay aside from AC/DC night on the local rock radio station, the song is by far one of the most appealing on the album.
Less known track Mistress for Christmas highlights a different side for the band. Not in theme for sure (it’s obviously about sex), but in music. The jingle bells and various other musical references to various carols is hilariously tongue-in-cheek yet exceptionally entertaining. Fire Your Guns and Shot of Love are also important parts of this disc. Both are heavy handed, grinding, and ultimately typically entertaining AC/DC tracks.
As I’ve already mentioned, this isn’t a perfect album. At times, songs like Let’s Make It, Goodbye & Good Riddance to Bad Luck and Are You Ready get old. I am proud to have this album in my home, though other AC/DC discs are much more important with much more perfect songs spread throughout. The Razor’s Edge is an album for all rock lovers. Though, new fans would be better off picking up Back in Black among others before venturing to the store to pick up this 1990 release.
And don’t forget about Thunderstruck…ever….
Sound of the drums
Beatin' in my heart
The thunder of guns
Tore me apart
You've been – thunderstruck!
Rating: 4/5 stars
Track Listing:
1. Thunderstruck
2. Fire Your Guns
3. Moneytalks
4. The Razor’s Edge
5. Mistress for Christmas
6. Rock Your Heart Out
7. Are You Ready
8. Got You by the Balls
9. Shot of Love
10. Let’s Make It
11. Goodbye & Good Riddance to Bad Luck
12. If You Dare
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